Laid-Back Camp gets a good rep for being a very cozy and welcoming show, and for good reason. In the first season alone it manages to suck you into a somewhat niche hobby - camping. While the activity itself isn't all that uncommon, meeting someone who is as passionate about camping and goes as often as these characters is(depending on where you live). Camping is present throughout all sorts of media, but none manage to make it as appealing as Laid Back Camp. This show will have you wanting to go sleep outdoors with friends and family, maybe even by yourself, regardless of your camping opinions before watching. *Light spoilers ahead*
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Plot
The plot of Laid-Back Camp is a simple one, but that's a good thing. The show doesn't need a complex narrative or crazy hook to pull you in. All it needs to make you have a good time is to show the characters having a good time. The show follows Rin, a kuudere girl who doesn't have many friends and enjoys being alone. She is an avid solo camper, and a veteran one. By chance she happens to meet Nadeshiko, a bubbly girl who loves people, food, and socializing in general. Nadeshiko is exposed to the wonders of camping, and Rin gains a new friend who pushes her out of her comfort zone and shows her a different side of camping, as well as everyday life. After experiencing part of a camping trip with another person Rin starts to think about what it would be like to camp with friends. Nadeshiko goes out to try and find other people passionate about camping so that she can learn more and start doing it herself. She succeeds and joins a club with two other girls in it. About the first half or so is mainly dedicated to letting the characters get to know each other, and letting Nadeshiko and Rin get a taste of their new experiences with camping and friends. The second half becomes more about planning and trying to get everyone to agree to one big camping trip they can do together. Like I said before, it's not very complicated. One of the great things about this story is that these characters are just doing the things they love, and hanging out with the people they love. It's a story that gives so much with what some would argue is so little. Another aspect that makes this show so great is the way they present the themes. Like with all media it's open to interpretation and there may be some underlying themes you could look for, but that's not really necessary. The themes of friendship and doing what you love, any and all the points the show tries to get across get there easily and effectively.
Characters
One of the shows many strengths is its interesting and fun cast of characters, each one different from the other but complementing each other well. Getting to see them all become friends and grow closer as each day passes is very heartwarming to see.
Rin Shima
Rin is the most experienced camper of the group, having been going solo camping for a couple years or so by the time the series begins. She is quiet and reserved most of the time, revealing nothing but a cold exterior. It isn't until Nadeshiko shows up and starts trying to get her to do stuff with more people that she really branches out and makes new friends. Even if it's just with a few actions or facial expressions she starts to open up more as the series goes on, which is really great to see.
Nadeshiko Kagamihara
The second of the main group is the most important character in the show. She's the one who makes it all happen and brings everyone together. She is a happy go lucky new girl in town who spreads her happiness wherever she goes, whether they want it or not. Rin tried to avoid her at first but eventually fell victim to becoming her friend which ultimately bettered her life and made her even more friends. The good looking food is elevated to new heights just by seeing Nadeshiko eating it, just like the other characters say. She positively affects every character in the show. Nadeshiko is a type of friend everyone needs in their life.
Chiaki Oogaki
Chiaki is one of the founders of the Out-Club. The club didn't get any new members so they didn't really do any activities, until they met Nadeshiko. Chiaki the the comedian of the group and is very active in the conversations. She's the type of person you might find annoying before getting to know them, that's how Rin felt. Underneath all her jokes and gloating you can tell she really enjoys the time spent with her friends and loves them all. She is my personal favorite character.
Aoi Inuyama
Aoi is the other founder of the Out-Club and Chiaki's best friend. Her personality is a bit of a balance between the characters. She seems quiet and reserved but gushes over fun things and likes to crack some jokes. She is very caring and helpful to her friends.
Ena Saitou
Ena was Rin's only shown friend in the series. She is very caring and is good at handling people, something she would give advice to Rin about. She originally just helped Rin out and talked to her about her camping trips, but as the show goes on she gets roped in and starts to enjoy the camping activities with everyone else. She started as a sort of likeable bystander but decided push herself out of her comfort zone and join everybody.
Visuals
The visuals of the show are great. The animation quality is good but nothing out of the ordinary, it's art style works well for the show. The main standout of the visuals is the scenery. The scenery is always very detailed and looks beautiful, from the trees in the forest to Mt. Fuji. The views always astound the characters so it's good that we get to enjoy them as well and can see that it really is a beautiful view.
_Audio
The use of audio is just as important as visuals for this show, and it's done perfectly. All the sounds they use enhance the experience, nothing sounds out of place or distracting. It really brings you into the world as any visual media sounds should. The soundtrack is also exceptional. The opening is perfect for setting the mood when you're watching the show, and personally it makes me happy when I hear it. The ending song is also great, it really captures the calmness of their relaxing camping trip as things start to die down at night. The OST is also very good, the songs they use elevate the scenes exactly as they were intended to.
Conclusion
If you made it this far and couldn't tell already I really loved this show. I really do believe this show deserves a 10. This show came at a point in my life where I really needed something that just screams happy. It has made me feel so much better and will probably become my new comfort show whenever I'm feeling down. I didn't know it was possible for a piece of media to affect me this much and become so important to me in just a few days. On a different note I realize this review is kinda haphazard and I apologize. Thank you for reading.
